RETURNING HOME: Salvatore Barone comes back to the Cosmos

Salvatore Barone made his Cosmos debut in 2017. (Photo courtesy of the Cosmos)

The Cosmos announced Thursday they had signed midfielder Salvatore Barone.

Barone has come through the ranks of the Cosmos’ system, having featured in the academy and with both Cosmos B and the first team.

“I am very happy to be returning to such an amazing club with so much history,” Barone said. “I’m excited to start preseason and look forward to another successful season.”

He will play for the club during the National Premier Soccer League season and the NPSL Founders Cup.

The 23-year-old Barone made his professional debut in 2017 with the Cosmos when he came on as a substitute in a North American Soccer League match against Indy Eleven. Most recently, Barone played with Penn FC in the United Soccer League, appearing in 10 matches.

He joined Aaron Dennis and Pedro Galvão as former Penn FC players to link up with the club.

“Sal knows the club well, having made his professional debut with us in 2017,” senior vice president Joe Barone said. “It’s always important to have players in the team who know the culture of the club. Developing players is also a key aspect and we feel Sal will make even more strides now that he’s back in green and white.”

Added head coach Carlos Mendes: “Sal is a player who has grown up in the academy, played with Cosmos B, and the first team and has developed well over the years. He understands the culture of the Cosmos and we expect him to take further steps forward this season.

“He’s a left-footed player that is comfortable on the ball and understands our style of play. We’re excited to bring back one of our own to the club.”

About The Author

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered eight World Cups, seven Olympics and all 21 MLS Cups. He writes about New York City FC, New York Cosmos and the U.S. national team for Newsday and pens a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has two more in the works, including one about the Rochester Lancers.